Gilman Kenneth Holien, Jr.

was born on February 18th, 1933 to Gilman Sr and Pearl Holien of Montevideo, Minnesota.  He went to be with Jesus on August 21st, 2024 at the age of 91.

Ken graduated from Montevideo High School and then served 4 years in the Navy during the Korean War. He often talked about going to Japan and other places.  He was very proud of his service.

Ken married Beverly Christiansen in December of 1952.  They raised three children, Mike, Pam and Linda while living in Richfield, Minnesota.  They belonged to Oak Grove Lutheran Church.

Ken and Betty loved square dancing and round dancing with many good friends.  They also were part of a card club that met for several years.

He enjoyed time at their cabin on Lake Minnewaska with his children and grandchildren, playing cards and board games. After retirement, he loved being in Arizona during the winter months where he played Pickleball and Shuffleboard.

Later in life Ken and Betty moved to the Gramercy in Burnsville where they lived for 20 years and enjoyed time spent with many friends. When they both needed a little more help, they moved to the Fountains at Hosanna where they have been loved and cared for by many.  The people at the Fountains could always count on Ken for a good joke and/or a warm handshake and hearty “good morning, have a great day.”

Ken was very grateful to the Minnesota VA for all the help and support they provided in his latter years.  His VA Nurse, Matt, and his aides, Silvia and Nicole seemed like part of the family.

Ken is preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Beverly (Betty) Holien and his sister Bette(Snooky) Darrington.  He is survived by his children, Michael (Nancy) Holien, Pamela (Monte) Carney and Linda (Ray) Kurek.   He also is survived by four grandchildren , Andy (Jessie) Carney, Adam (Erin) Carney, Kristen (Mike) Pahl and Bethany (Ryan) Limberg.  His great grandchildren are Maya, Logan & Ava Carney, Mackenzie & Wesley Limberg and Simon & Levi Pahl.  He is also survived by his sisters Ardy Johnson and Maxine Holien and brother Terry Holien.

Funeral service will be held on September 11th, 2024 in the Hosanna Church Chapel at 9600 163rd St W in Lakeville, MN at 11:00am.  Visitation will begin 30 minutes before the service.  There will be a light lunch following the service.  Private internment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date.  Memorials to the Fountains at Hosanna and MN Hospice.